Marine Toilets

Electricalormanual toilet-Whichisright for you?Toiletson board often require gettingused to and differconsiderably in theirhandling and functioningfrom householdtoilets.In the followingdescription, we will give youa few tipsfor the proper selectionandinstallation of your newmarinetoilet.

Installation Site - What to Consider?

Above the waterline:

The inlet hose allows for the most direct route from the inlet seacock to the flushing pump inlet nozzle. A non-return valve next to the inlet seacock ensures that the pump remains suctioned after each use. The discharge hose from the discharge elbow pipe is layed in such a manner that it creates a loop, where the highest point is located at least 30 cm (12") above the elbow pipe. With the assembly of a gooseneck valve at the highest point of the hose loop, you can be reassured that any water from the toilet system will remain where it is meant to be and not overflow. This applies both to overboard disposal and flow into the holding tank when the discharge elbow pipe is located above the collection tank. Should the tank be installed so that it is located above the elbow, a vented loop must be used.

Electric toilet below the waterline:

With an electric toilet, which is installed below the water line, you have the option to install a vented loop between the inlet seacock and the irrigation pump. This is normally not possible, as this would prevent the suction of the flushing pump, but with the mounting of a solenoid valve on the gooseneck, this mounting arrangement can be achieved. When you press the flush motor, the solenoid valve of the gooseneck closes and water can be sucked through the gooseneck. Upon releasing the flush button, the aeration valve is opened again and the siphon effect is stopped.

Below the waterline:

The inlet hose and outlet hose should be routed so that they form a siphon preventing loop, with a highest point of at least 20 cm (8 ") higher than the waterline. At the highest point, an aerated swan valve must be installed. The ends of all hoses can be fastened with two worm drive hose clamps made out of stainless steel.

Caution: If the toilet rim is located less than 20 cm (8 ") above the waterline while the boat is at standstill, or if there is any chance that the waterline from the toilet could rise higher and spill outwards, pipeline must be laid through the thru-hull fittings, and a vented loop must be installed, regardless of whether it is an inlet or outlet.

In the area of electrical marine toilets, many different variations are currently on the market. The entry level of marine toilets use substructure pumps. By design, these pumps (combined chopper and impeller) are quite noisy with the pump creating an exceptionally high level of noise. For some time, these toilets have been also available in a standard household design.

Because the pump is installed within a china bowl, there is also the possibility of adding additional insulation. These toilets are much more preferable to traditional on board toilets. The energy and water consumption of the toilet results from the duration of the rinsing time (as long as you hold your finger on the flush button, the toilet will continue to flush).

The latest trend in the area of on board toilets are electric toilets with high-volume choppers (about 80-120 mm ⌀). In conjunction with their very quiet motor noise, these are comparable with household toilets. The flushed water is carried out either on-board, in to a pressurized water system or separate pump (fresh or seawater). These toilets with large choppers come with a "smart" controller, so that the amount of water and pumping time can be adjusted exactly, according to the conditions on board. As a general rule, these controllers offer an "Economy button" for small flushes. The water consumption for these systems ranges from about 1.5 to 3.5 liters. These toilets are very suitable for use with a holding tank. Overall, these toilets provide all of the comforts of home and are very reliable.

Manual marine toilets have been installed aboard smaller boats for ages. These toilets are generally equipped with and operated by hand-pumps. These pumps operate in two modes: Initially, the rinse water is pumped into the toilet bowl and then the contents of the toilet bowl are pumped out by turning a switching valve.

Advantages of on-board toilets: their low price, easy operation with appropriate care and maintenance and the easy procurement of spare parts. In addition, no on-board power is required for manual operation. The disadvantages of manual toilets include operational problems resulting from usage on charter yachts and with smaller children aboard. Uncontrolled water consumption, in conjunction with small holding tanks can also be problematic. Often too much water is simply pumped / purged and the holding tank fills up quickly. The rubber parts (seals and valves) of these units must be properly maintained, in order to keep everything operating smoothly.

Electric conversion kits for on-board toilets: the solution for retrofitting a manual toilet into an electric version is an option for some brands. A decision must be made between simply replacing the existing hand pump or the entire substructure of the unit. Both systems are equipped with a combined chopper / impeller. Manual switching between rinsing and suction is eliminated and the operation of the toilet is much easier for inexperienced sailors.